For years the testing of valves was like some form of secret science that only the most powerful of amplifier wizards would delve into. Fast-forward to now and we have the Orange Divo VT1000 Valve Tester, a simple-to-use device that will save a lot of time and money in testing the performance of valves. The device itself is very basic. It has three sockets to plug in either a power valve, EL 84 or pre amp valve. Simply plug in the desired valve type, select the valve you're testing and hit the OK switch. The unit automatically runs through a series of tests to determine whether or not the valves are “Good”, “Worn” or “Fail” and indicate the gain on a scale of one to 15. This is where things get really juicy (no pun intended). The Orange Valve Tester lets you craft how distortion is generated in your amp by matching different valve brands together, so you mix and match to create your ideal tone.
Track By Track: Beck Returns With Heartbreak Album 'Ride Lonesome'
